Conductive cladding for waveguides

ABSTRACT

A waveguide structure to allow device to determine its orientation are disclosed. The waveguide may be formed of a dielectric core and a cladding. The dielectric core may be formed of a solid dielectric material that conducts radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies and above. The cladding may encapsulate the core, and may include at least two conductive portions. Each conductive portion may be disposed around less than the entire core. The conductive portions allow electrical signals to flow between two devices to determine an orientation of the waveguide.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/834,039, filed on Aug. 24, 2015 and titled “Conductive Cladding forWaveguides,” the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Modern mobile devices, such as smart phones, smart watches, tablets,laptops, and the like, will occasionally be connected to another device.For instance, smart phones may be connected to a computer to receiveand/or send data. Similarly, smart watches may be connected to a dockingstation to receive and/or send data. Accessories may be used to connectthe devices to one another. For example, a cable can be used to connectthe smart phone to the computer.

Presently, cables containing conductive wires are generally used fordata transmission. Such cables transmit data by allowing voltages to beapplied through the conductive wires at a predetermined frequency. Themaximum frequency at which data can be transferred through theconductive wire may be limited, however, due to limitations ofconductive materials, such as the resistance of the conductive material.Furthermore, utilizing conductive wires to transmit data requires theuse of receptacles on the receiving side, which may often createopenings within which moisture and/or debris may enter. Utilizingconductive wires may also suffer from capacitive coupling between wiresrunning high frequency signals which can impede signal transmission. Toavoid capacitive coupling, shielding solutions may be implemented toshield signal lines; however, such shielding solutions can be bulky insize.

One way to overcome such limitations is to utilize waveguides forsending a wave, e.g., electromagnetic waves for data transmissioninstead of conductive wires. Waveguides are structures that enable wavesignals to propagate with minimal loss of energy. Waveguides areparticularly useful for transmitting waves that are not normally capableof efficient transmission in the atmosphere. As an example, very highfrequency waves (e.g., millimeter waves) that easily disperse in theatmosphere can be contained within a waveguide to prevent dispersion oftransmitted signals. By enabling the transmission of millimeter waves,transmissions performed at frequencies substantially higher than that ofconductive wires (e.g., tens or even hundreds of gigahertz (GHz)) can beachieved.

In order for successful transmission with waveguides, however, theorientation of millimeter waves transmitted from the sending deviceneeds to match the orientation of the waveguide in the receiving device.That is, the orientation of the waveguide of the sending device shouldmatch the orientation of the waveguide in the receiving device. If theorientation of the waveguides are different, then the transmissionsignals received by the receiving device may be interpreted incorrectly.Improvements to such waveguides are desired.

SUMMARY

Embodiments provide improved devices and methods for determiningwaveguide orientation. As an example, a waveguide may be formed of acore encapsulated by a cladding. The core may be a solid dielectricmaterial that conducts radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies andabove. The cladding may include conductive portions within whichelectrical signals may be sent for determining the orientation of thewaveguide. Determining the orientation of the waveguide is important fordata transfer because successful data transmission may be highlydependent upon the orientation of the waves. Having conductive portionsin the waveguide cladding allows data to be successfully transmittedthrough the core when the waveguides are mated in any orientation.

In some embodiments, a waveguide is formed of a dielectric coreencapsulated by a cladding. The core may be formed of a dielectricmaterial that conducts radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies andabove, and the cladding may include at least two conductive portions.Each conductive portion may be disposed around less than the entirecore. The conductive portions may enable devices to communicate with oneanother to properly transmit data at the correct orientation.

In certain embodiments, a waveguide system may include a waveguidehaving a dielectric core encapsulated by a cladding. The cladding mayinclude at least two conductive portions electrically isolated from eachother by insulation portions. The waveguide system may further includeprocessor configured to interact with the waveguide, and at least oneantenna coupled to the processor. The antenna may be configured to senddata through the dielectric core of the waveguide. The waveguide systemmay further include at least one sensor corresponding to the at leastone antenna. The sensor may be coupled to the processor and configuredto couple with at least two conductive portions of the waveguidecladding to determine an orientation of the dielectric core.

In some embodiments, a method of determining waveguide orientationincludes receiving, by at least one sensor, an electrical signal sentthrough a cladding of a transmitting waveguide when the transmittingwaveguide is mated with a receiving waveguide. The method may includedetermining a location of the at least one sensor. In embodiments, themethod may further include determining an orientation of thetransmitting waveguide by referencing the location of the at least onesensor.

A better understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments ofthe present invention may be gained with reference to the followingdetailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified diagram of a waveguide mating with a device, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of a docking station having an embeddedwaveguide mating with a device, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2A is a simplified diagram of a cross-sectional view of arectangular waveguide, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B is a simplified diagram of a cross-sectional view of arectangular waveguide, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2C is a simplified diagram of a cross-sectional view of arectangular waveguide having modified ends, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a cross-sectional view of arectangular waveguide having more than two conductive portions fordetermining waveguide orientation, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of a cross-sectional view of a circularwaveguide, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a simplified diagram illustrating a matching orientation forrectangular waveguide-to-waveguide interfaces, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a simplified diagram illustrating an offset orientation forrectangular waveguide-to-waveguide interfaces, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a simplified diagram illustrating a matching orientation forcircular waveguide-to-waveguide interfaces, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a simplified diagram illustrating an offset orientation forcircular waveguide-to-waveguide interfaces, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of interfaces of rectangular waveguideshaving magnets, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of interfaces of circular waveguideshaving magnets, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram illustrating a waveguide system, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating a waveguide system, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining waveguideorientation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining waveguideorientation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments describe a waveguide having a dielectric core and aconductive cladding surrounding at least a portion of the dielectriccore. The core may be formed from a solid dielectric material thatconducts radio waves at millimeter wave frequencies and above. Thecladding may include conductive portions through which electricalsignals may be sent for the purpose of determining waveguideorientation. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1A, a waveguide 102 that ispart of a cable 100 can be used to transmit data between a firstelectronic device 110 and a second electronic device (not shown). Cable100 can be connected between the first and second devices in at leasttwo different orientations, rotated 180 degrees from each other. Fordata transmitted through wave 102 to be interpreted properly, device 110may need to determine which of the two orientations waveguide 102 hasbeen connected to it in. Towards this end, waveguide 102 may have acladding 103. Cladding 103 may encapsulate a core (not shown) and mayinclude conductive portions 115 and 117.

Electrical signals may be sent through conductive portions 115 and 117to determine the orientation of the waveguide as will be describedherein. In embodiments, if it is determined that the orientation ofwaveguide 102 is offset by 180 degrees, transmission waves sent throughthe core may be compensated accordingly, for example by altering a phaseof the transmission waves, resulting in a matching orientation. Thisallows waveguide 102 to be coupled to device 110 without having to becognizant of its orientation, thereby increasing user friendliness andenhancing user experience.

Although FIG. 1A illustrates waveguide 102 as a separate cable,embodiments are not intended to be limited to such implementations. Forinstance, as shown in FIG. 1B, a waveguide 101 with conductive claddingmay be embedded in a docking station 120. Sensors or conductive portionsof the cladding may be exposed in regions 118 around window 116. Tocouple device 108 to docking station 120, device 108 may simply beplaced on a respective area of docking station 120 such that window 114of device 108 is aligned with window 116. Windows 114 and 116 may beradio frequency (RF) transparent windows through which transmissionwaves transmitted through the dielectric core of waveguide 101 arecapable of propagating. Similar to the cable 100, the conductivecladding of the embedded waveguide in docking station 120 may be used todetermine its orientation with respect to window 114 of device 108.

I. Waveguide with Conductive Cladding

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary waveguideswith conductive cladding according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Specifically, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross-sectionalviews of waveguides having two conductive regions in differentarrangements. FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a waveguidehaving more than two conductive regions.

With reference to FIG. 2A, waveguide 200 includes a solid dielectriccore 204 disposed at the center of waveguide 200. Core 204 may be aregion of the waveguide 200 within which transmission waves, e.g.,electromagnetic waves, may propagate. In embodiments, core 204 may havea cross-sectional profile in the form of any geometric shape. Forinstance, core 204 may be rectangular, circular, oval, square, and thelike. In certain embodiments, core 204 is shaped according to propertiesof the transmission wave propagating inside of it. As an example, core204 may be shaped as a rectangle for transmission of high-frequencymillimeter waves. High-frequency millimeter waves may have a wave lengthof 1 to 10 millimeters and can transmit at a frequency of tens of GHz,e.g., 40 to 90 GHz. Any suitable material conducive to wave propagationmay be used to form the core 204, such as, but not limited to, plasticsand glass. In an embodiment, core 204 is formed of extruded plastic.

Core 204 may be encapsulated by a cladding 206. Cladding 206 may includeconductive portions 208. In some embodiments, cladding 206 includes twoconductive portions: a first conductive portion 208A and a secondconductive portion 208B. Each conductive portion may be disposeddirectly adjacent to core 204. Conductive portions 208A and 208B may beutilized to determine an orientation of waveguide 200, as discussedherein. The number of conductive portions used for purposes ofdetermining waveguide orientation may be determined based upon thenumber of different orientations that could occur when the waveguide ismated (i.e., when core 204 is aligned with a receiving core to enabledata transmission). For instance, when waveguide 200 has a rectangularcross-section in which the width (W) of the cross-section is differentthan the thickness (T), only two orientations can occur when mated: 0degrees, or 180 degrees. Thus, waveguide 200 may be structured to havetwo conductive portions 208A and 208B. For waveguides that have morethan two orientations, then more than two conductive portions may beused for determining waveguide orientation, as will be discussed furtherherein.

Conductive portions 208A and 208B may have ends 211A and 211B,respectively, that are substantially perpendicular to an adjacentsurface of core 204. Additionally, conductive portions 208 may besymmetrically placed about core 204. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2A,portions 208A and 208B are symmetrically placed about core 204 such thatportions 208A and 208B are equally spaced apart around cladding 206. Inembodiments, portion 208A is a mirror image of portion 208B across avertical center of waveguide 200. Additionally, each conductive portionmay conform to at least a portion of core 204. In such embodiments, eachconductive portion 208A and 208B may wrap around two corners of core 204such that each conductive portion appears to be the letter “u” tipped onits side. Although FIG. 2A illustrates portions 208A and 208B arrangedas mirror images across a vertical center of waveguide 200, embodimentsare not so limited. For instance, portions 208A and 208B may be arrangedas mirror images across a horizontal center of waveguide 201, asillustrated in FIG. 2B. It is to be appreciated that any symmetricalarrangement of conductive portions 208A and 208B about core 204 is inline with the spirit and scope of the present invention. The number ofconductive portions 208A and 208B may vary, however, as will bediscussed further herein.

Conductive portions 208A and 208B may be utilized by devices todetermine an orientation of waveguide 200. Thus, it is important forelectrical signals that are sent through the conductive portions 208Aand 208B to be undisturbed. Accordingly, in embodiments, insulationportions 210 may be disposed between conductive portions 208A and 208B.Insulation portions 210 may prevent shorting between conductive portions208A and 208B by electrically isolating conductive portions 208A and208B from one another. Insulation portions 210 may be included as a partof cladding 206.

Cladding 206 may help contain transmission waves within core 204. Thus,it may be beneficial for cladding 206 to be constructed with materialsthat reflect waves back into core 204. To achieve this functionality,cladding 206 may be formed of materials that have dielectric constantsthat are different than the dielectric constant of the material formingcore 204. For instance, cladding 206 may have dielectric constants thatare less than core 204.

It is to be noted that, as aforementioned herein, conductive portions208A and 208B allow electrical signals in the form of voltage and/orcurrent to be applied through waveguide 200, while insulation portions210 electrically isolate conductive portions 208A and 208B from oneanother. Thus, while their dielectric constants may be similar, theirelectrical properties may be different. As a result, conductive regions208A and 208B may be formed of a metal while insulation portions 210 areformed of an anodized metal. For instance, conductive portions 208A and208B may be formed of copper and insulation portions 210 may be formedof anodized aluminum. Alternatively, in some embodiments, conductiveregions 208A and 208B may be formed of a metal while insulation portions210 may be formed of a metal coated with a thick layer of oxide. As anexample, conductive regions 208A and 208B may be formed of copper whileinsulation portions 210 are formed of titanium or a titanium alloycoated with a thick layer of oxide.

FIG. 2C illustrates an alternative cladding configuration whereconductive portions 208A and 208B have modified ends 212A and 212B.Modified ends 212A and 212B may taper and overlap one another such thatan imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the surface of core 204 crossesboth ends 212A and 212B. In such embodiments, insulation portion 210does not need to be formed of a material that reflects waves back intocore 204. This is because the overlapping arrangement of modified ends212A and 212B may already make it very difficult for waves to leak outof core 204. Thus, insulation portion 210 may not need to be formed of amaterial having a dielectric constant similar to that of the conductiveportions 208A and 208B. Rather, insulation portions 210 may be formed ofan insulating material having a different dielectric constant than theconductive portions 208A and 208B. For instance, insulation portion 210may be formed of a non-conductive plastic while conductive portions 208Aand 208B are formed of copper and core 204 is formed of extrudedplastic. In embodiments, only a part of conductive portion 208A overlapswith a part of conductive portion 208B. The overlapping conductiveportions may be implemented in any embodiments discussed hereinafter.

In embodiments, conductive portions 208A and 208B may cover a majorityof the surface area of core 204. For example, conductive regions 208 maycover at least 75% of the surface area of core 204. In embodiments,conductive regions 208 may cover 90% of the surface area of core 204.

It is to be appreciated that the various structures, e.g., conductiveportions 208A and 208B, and insulation portions 210, may be separatestructures that are attached to one another. For instance, thestructures may be adhered to one another with an adhesive or a curingprocess, or mechanically attached to one another with a fastener.Alternatively, the various structures may be all part of one monolithicstructure. In such instances, conductive portions 208A and 208B, andinsulation portions 210 may be formed by altering the monolithicstructure. As an example, corresponding parts of the monolithicstructure may be treated (e.g., by chemical treatment and/or doping) toacquire the desired characteristics as discussed herein.

The size of waveguide 200 may be any size suitable for transmission ofwaves. For example, waveguide 200 may have a thickness T and a width Wsuitable for transmission of millimeter waves. Thickness T may beapproximately half of the wavelength of the transmission waves.Additionally, width W may be dependent on the dielectric constant ofcore 204. In some embodiments, waveguide 200 may have thickness Tranging between 0.15 and 0.5 mm, and width W ranging between 2 to 6 mm.In certain embodiments, waveguide 200 has thickness T of 0.25 mm andwidth W of 4 mm.

Embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C have two conductive portions.However, embodiments are not limited to such configurations. Forinstance, claddings in other embodiments may have more than twoconductive portions.

A. More than Two Conductive Portions

FIG. 3 illustrates a waveguide 300 having four conductive portions:first conductive portion 308A, second conductive portion 308B, thirdconductive portion 308C, and fourth conductive portion 308D. Insulationportions 310 may be disposed between conductive portions 308A-308D toelectrically isolate conductive portions 308A-308D from one another andto prevent electrical short circuiting between them. Given thatwaveguide 300 is rectangular, two of the four conductive portions may beused for determining an orientation of waveguide 300. As discussed withrespect to FIG. 2A, the conductive portions for determining anorientation of a waveguide are arranged symmetrically about the core.Thus, the two conductive portions for determining orientation may be308A and 308B, or 308C and 308D. Conductive portions that are not usedfor determining an orientation of waveguide 300 may be used for variousother purposes. For instance, if 308A and 308B are used for determiningorientation, conductive portions 308C and 308D may be used for providingpower.

Transmission waves generally cannot send power between devices. Wavestraveling through the dielectric core of waveguides primarily transmitdata. In order to supply power, some embodiments of the invention supplypower through a conductive material surrounding the dielectric core thatallows transmission of power through current flow. In some embodiments,cladding 306 may be used for providing power by utilizing conductiveportions 308C and 308D for supplying current to a connected device. Thatway, only one cable and/or connection is needed for purposes of datatransfer and device charging/powering, thereby increasingsimplicity/user friendliness, and decreasing cost.

In some embodiments, conductive portions that are not being used fordetermining orientation, e.g., 308C and 308D, can be used fortransmission of data at a low rate, i.e., at a frequency lower than thatof waves, e.g., millimeter waves, sent through core 304. Transmittingdata in the form of high frequency millimeter waves through core 304,although particularly useful for transmission of large data quantities,can consume a significant amount of power. Everyday use of a device,however, may not need to transfer large quantities of data all the time,such as when a device identification, synchronizing command, handshakingsignal, etc. is being sent to/from the device. It may therefore be awaste of power to utilize high-frequency millimeter waves for alltransmissions without considering the quantity of data beingtransferred. Accordingly, it may be desirable to send lower quantitiesof data via a transmission method that requires less power. Inembodiments, conductive portions 308C and 308D may be utilized for suchpurposes. Specifically, conductive portions 308C and 308D may beutilized as conductive wires for transmitting data at a lower frequencythan that of core 304. That way, waveguide 300 may save power byselectively utilizing high-frequency data transfer for large quantitiesof data (e.g., quantities of data greater than a threshold quantity) andlow-frequency data transfer for smaller quantities of data.

The materials used to form insulation portions 310 and conductiveportions 308A-308D may be the same materials discussed herein withrespect to FIGS. 2A-2C.

In other embodiments, conductive portions utilized for determiningwaveguide orientation can also be used for providing power and/ortransmitting data at a low rate. For instance, conductive portions 208Aand 208B of waveguide 200 discussed in FIGS. 2A-2C may be used fordetermining waveguide orientation, providing power, and transmittingdata at a low rate. In such embodiments, a single waveguide having twoconductive portions can be used to provide multiple functionalities.

B. Circular Structure

FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 illustrate rectangular waveguides; however, asmentioned herein, a waveguide does not have to be rectangular, but canhave any geometric shape, such as circular, oval, triangular, square,etc. FIG. 4 illustrates a circular waveguide 400 according toembodiments of the present invention.

Waveguide 400 is formed of a solid dielectric core 404 encapsulated by acladding 406. Cladding 406 includes a series of conductive portions408A-408H and isolation portions 410 disposed between adjacentconductive portions 408A-408H. Purposes, arrangements, and materialcompositions of conductive portions 408A-408H and isolation portions 410may be similar to corresponding parts of waveguides already discussedherein. In embodiments, additional conductive portions may be includedin cladding 406 for purposes other than determining orientation, such asproviding power and low frequency data transmission, as discussed hereinwith respect to FIG. 3.

In contrast to rectangular waveguides, which may mate in two differentorientations, circular waveguides are geometrically structured such thatthey can mate in an infinite number of orientations. That is, thecircular shape can be rotated in an infinite number of angles. Thus, todetermine an orientation of circular waveguides, larger numbers ofconductive portions may increase the ability of the cladding todetermine the orientation of circular waveguides. For instance, acircular cladding may include at least two, preferably at least four oreight conductive portions as shown in FIG. 4. When waveguides mate, awaveguide-to-waveguide interface is formed, the details of which arediscussed herein.

II. Waveguide-to-Waveguide Interface

A waveguide-to-waveguide interface is a point in space where twowaveguides mate such that signals may transmit from one waveguide intothe other. When mated, the conductive cladding can be used to determinetheir orientation with respect to one another to ensure proper datatransmission through their respective cores.

FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6B illustrate exemplary waveguide-to-waveguideinterfaces for two waveguides. One waveguide may be emitting atransmission wave and the other waveguide may be receiving thetransmission wave. As illustrated, a substantial amount of space existsbetween the two waveguides for ease of illustration and explanation. Oneskilled in the art understands that when two waveguides are mated, avery small or no air gap may exist between the two waveguides. Further,even though the two waveguides are illustrated as cables, embodimentsare not so limited. For instance, one or both waveguides may be embeddedwithin a device. When a waveguide is embedded, an RF-transparent window(not shown) may be formed on the device to allow waves to enter in andexit out of the device. That way, waves may transmit into and out of theembedded waveguide while providing a hermetic seal to prevent moistureand/or debris from entering into the device. The RF-transparent windowmay be disposed between the two waveguides illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5Band 6A-6B.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, different mating arrangements of awaveguide-to-waveguide interface for rectangular waveguides areillustrated, according to embodiments of the present invention.Specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates an aligned waveguide-to-waveguideinterface where both waveguides are arranged in the same orientation,and FIG. 5B illustrates a misaligned waveguide-to-waveguide interfacewhere both waveguides are arranged in different orientations.

With reference to FIG. 5A, a receiving waveguide 500 may be mated with atransmitting waveguide 510. When mated, a dielectric core 504 ofwaveguide 500 may be aligned with a dielectric core 514 of waveguide510. Additionally, conductive portions 508A and 508B of waveguide 500may be aligned with conductive portions 518A and 518B of waveguide 510.Proper orientation of waveguide 500 and 510 may be when conductiveportions 508A and 518A are mated with one another. Conductive portions508A and 518A are shaded to better illustrate their respectivepositions. Because waveguides 500 and 510 are oriented properly with oneanother, a transmission wave 520 sent from core 514 to core 504 may beproperly received by waveguide 500.

However, if waveguides 500 and 510 are not oriented properly, thentransmission wave 520 may need to be altered depending on theorientation offset. FIG. 5B illustrates such an embodiment. As shown,conductive portion 508A is mated with conductive portion 518B, andconductive portion 508B is mated with conductive portion 518A. Thus, theorientation of waveguides 500 and 510 may be offset by 180 degrees,e.g., a phase offset of 180 degrees. If unaltered, the transmission wave520 received by waveguide 500 will be offset by 180 degrees, resultingin a failure of transmission or a reception of faulty data. Tocompensate for such an offset, transmission wave 520 may be altered(e.g., by altering its phase by 180 degrees) to form transmission wave522. Transmission wave 522 may thus match the orientation of waveguide500 and be properly received.

In some embodiments, rather than altering the transmission wave 520 whena difference in orientation is detected, altering an interpretation oftransmission wave 520 may occur instead. For instance, unalteredtransmission wave 520 may be sent in FIG. 5B. Once the unalteredtransmission wave 520 is received, the received transmission wave may beoffset by 180 degrees by a receiving device.

A similar operation may be performed for circular waveguides, as shownin FIGS. 6A and 6B, which show different mating arrangements of awaveguide-to-waveguide interface for circular waveguides. Specifically,FIG. 6A illustrates an aligned waveguide-to-waveguide interface whereboth waveguides are arranged in the same orientation, and FIG. 6Billustrates a misaligned waveguide-to-waveguide interface where bothwaveguides are arranged in different orientations.

With reference to FIG. 6A, circular waveguide 600 may be properlyoriented with circular waveguide 610. Proper orientation of waveguide600 with waveguide 610 may be when conductive portions 608A and 618A aremated with one another. Because waveguides 600 and 610 are orientedproperly with one another, transmission wave 620 sent through dielectriccore 514 may be properly received. However, transmission wave 620 may bealtered when waveguide 600 and waveguide 610 are mated in differentorientations, as shown in FIG. 6B.

In FIG. 6B, conductive portion 608A is mated with conductive portion618B, and conductive portion 608B is mated with conductive portion 618A.Thus, the orientation of waveguides 600 and 610 may be offset by 45degrees, and transmission wave 620 may not be properly received. Tocompensate for such an offset, transmission wave 620 may be altered toform transmission wave 622. Transmission wave 622 may be a 45 degreeoffset of transmission wave 620 such that the orientation of the wavereceived by waveguide 620 is oriented properly. In certain embodiments,instead of sending transmission wave 622, unaltered transmission wave620 may be sent instead and subsequently interpreted with acorresponding offset by a receiving device.

The offset of 45 degrees may be determined based upon the number ofconductive portions. As shown in FIG. 6B, there are eight conductiveportions (see also FIG. 4). Because there are eight conductive portions,there are eight distinctive orientations that could be arranged. Thus,given the circular structure of waveguides 600 and 610, 360 degrees isdivided by eight, thereby resulting in an offset increment of 45 degreesbetween each orientation. Similar calculations may apply to arrangementswith more or less conductive portions.

Larger numbers of conductive portions result in more accurate alignmentbetween waveguides because of the higher sampling size. However, largernumbers of conductive portions may result in a higher number of offsetincrements. Having a large number of offset increments increases devicecomplexity because the receiving device and/or transmitting device mayneed to be configured to be capable of altering the received ortransmitted waves according to the different offset increments. At somepoint, the cost of having a certain number of conductive portions mayoutweigh the benefits achieved by having more accurate alignment. Inembodiments, waveguides having greater than 12 conductive portions maybe cost prohibitive.

A. Determining Waveguide Orientation

In embodiments, determining an orientation of a waveguide may beperformed by sending electrical signals through conductive portions of acladding. The electrical signals may correspond with the orientation ofthe transmitting waveguide. For instance, in rectangular waveguideimplementations, a first electrical signal may correspond with a leftside of the waveguide and a second electrical signal that is differentthan the first electrical signal may correspond with a right side of thewaveguide. Thus, the arrangement of the different electrical signals mayindicate the orientation of the transmitting waveguide.

The electrical signals may be received by a receiving waveguide whenmated with the transmitting waveguide. Conductive portions of thereceiving waveguide may receive the electrical signals either directlythrough an electrical contact or indirectly from a separate sensor.Additionally, various forms of electrical signals can be used fordetermining waveguide orientation. Details of such configurations arediscussed herein.

B. Electrical Signals and Corresponding Detection Techniques

Various electrical signals and detection techniques may be utilized bydevices to determine waveguide orientation. The type of electricalsignal and corresponding detection technique may be selected tocomplement one another. That way, the detection technique may beconfigured to sufficiently detect the electrical signal. If they are notselected to complement one another, then the emitted electrical signalmay not be detected, and the devices will not be able to determinewaveguide orientation.

1. Voltage/Current Sensors

One type of detection technique includes utilizing voltage/currentsensors. In embodiments, voltage/current sensors may be a sensor that iscapable of making direct contact to an external connection. Forinstance, voltage/current sensors can be electrical contacts. Thecontacts may be exposed at an end of a waveguide or device such that anexternal connection, e.g., an exposed contact of another waveguide, maybe coupled to it. The number of contacts used for detecting electricalsignals may be selected based upon the number of conductive portions ofthe waveguides. That is, a one-to-one ratio of conductive portions tocontacts may be achieved. For instance, if receiving and transmittingwaveguides each have eight conductive portions, then eight contacts maybe utilized. The contacts may be a part of the conductive portions ofthe waveguide cladding, or a separate conductive pad that is coupled torespective conductive portions of the waveguide cladding.

Utilizing voltage/current contacts may be a simple way to detectelectrical signals given their familiar structure and ease ofmanufacture. Thus, utilizing voltage/current contacts may save cost bylowering manufacturing complexity.

2. Electromagnetic Sensors

Another type of detection technique includes utilizing electromagneticsensors. One or more electromagnetic sensors may be coupled to theconductive portions of the receiving waveguide cladding. In someembodiments, one or more electromagnetic sensors may be coupled to aprocessor in a receiving device. The electromagnetic sensors may bepositioned at an end of the receiving waveguide such that electricalsignals transmitted from the conductive portions of the transmissionwaveguide cladding can be received.

In embodiments, the electromagnetic sensors can be any type of sensorconfigured to detect magnetic fields, such as a Holofax sensor. In suchinstances, conductive portions of the transmitting waveguide claddingcan generate magnetic fields at certain frequencies. Each conductiveportion may generate a magnetic field at a different frequency such thateach conductive portion is distinguishable from the other conductiveportions in the transmitting waveguide cladding. Respectiveelectromagnetic sensors may detect the different magnetic fields fromcorresponding conductive portions of the transmitting waveguide claddingand determine its orientation.

3. Capacitive Sensors

In some embodiments, the capacitive sensors can be electrical sensorsfor detecting electrical charge, such as in capacitive coupling. Theconductive portions of the transmitting waveguide cladding can containdifferent amounts of charge. Thus, when mated, the respective capacitivesensors can detect the different charges and determine the orientationof the transmitting waveguide.

Such embodiments discussed herein allow devices to determine theorientation of waveguides. However, in some embodiments, orientation ofwaveguides may not need to be determined to establish a successful datatransmission. Instead, waveguides may include an alignment mechanism toassist the waveguides in aligning with one another in one or moreorientations.

C. Magnetic Alignment

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary embodiments where waveguideinterfaces may include magnets for alignment and connection purposes,according to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7illustrates cross-sectional views of interfacing ends of receiving andtransmitting rectangular waveguides with magnets, and FIG. 8 illustratescross-sectional views of interfacing ends of receiving and transmittingcircular waveguides with magnets.

As shown in FIG. 7, a receiving waveguide 700 and a transmittingwaveguide 710 each have at least one magnet 709. For example, receivingwaveguide 700 may have two magnets: a first magnet 709A and a secondmagnet 709B. The two magnets may be positioned at any suitable locationaround the conductive portions. As an example, first magnet 709A may bepositioned proximate to first conductive portion 708A, and second magnet709B may be positioned proximate to second conductive portion 708B.Similarly, transmitting waveguide 700 may have two magnets: a firstmagnet 719A and a second magnet 719B. First magnet 719A may bepositioned proximate to first conductive portion 718A, and second magnet719B may be positioned proximate to second conductive portion 718B.

In embodiments, magnets 709A, 709B, 719A, and 719B may be configuredattach receiving waveguide 700 to transmitting waveguide 710. This maybe particularly useful for implementations where the mating interfacesare flat surfaces without recesses or structural features to alignwaveguides 700 and 710 to one another. In such embodiments, magnets 709Aand 709B can be configured to attract both magnets 719A and 719B, andvice versa.

In other embodiments, magnets 709A, 709B, 719A, and 719B may beconfigured to arrange receiving waveguide 700 and transmitting waveguide710 into a specific orientation. For instance, the magnets may bearranged such that conductive portion 708A can only be aligned withcorresponding conductive portion 718A. In such embodiments, only magnets709A and 719A are attracted to one another, and magnets 709B and 719Bare attracted to one another. If the waveguides are oriented such thatconductive portion 708A is aligned with conductive portion 718B, thenmagnets 709A and 719A, and magnets 709B and 719B may repel one another.

Although FIG. 7 illustrates magnets 709A and 709B disposed proximate toleft and right sides of waveguide 700, embodiments are not so limited.For instance, magnets 709A and 709B may be disposed proximate to top andbottom sides of waveguide 700. It is to be appreciated that anyarrangement of magnets 709A and 709B suitable to attach and orientwaveguide 700 to waveguide 710 are envisioned herein to be within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 8, receiving waveguide 800 and transmittingwaveguide 810 each have at least one magnet 809. For example, receivingwaveguide 800 and transmitting waveguide 810 may each have eight magnets809A-809H, and 819A-819H, respectively. The magnets may be positioned atany suitable location around the conductive portions. As an example,each magnet may be positioned proximate to respective conductiveportions as shown in FIG. 8.

In embodiments, magnets 809 and 819 may be configured to help attachreceiving waveguide 800 to transmitting waveguide 810. This may beparticularly useful for circular waveguides given their infinite numberof mating orientations. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, magnets 809and 819 can be configured to lock the waveguides in one of eightorientations. For instance, each magnet 809 may be attracted to any oneof magnets 819. Thus, the waveguides 800 and 810 can be locked in anyone of the eight orientations.

In other embodiments, magnets 809 and 819 may be configured to helparrange receiving waveguide 700 and transmitting waveguide 710 into aspecific orientation. For instance, the magnets may be arranged suchthat conductive portion 808A can only be aligned with correspondingconductive portion 818A. In such embodiments, magnets 809A-809D may beattracted to magnets 819A-809D and opposed to magnets 819E-819H.Additionally, magnets 809E-809H may be attracted to magnets 819E-819Hand opposed to magnets 819A-819D. That way, waveguides 800 and 810 canonly be mated in one orientation. Although eight magnets are shown toachieve this functionality, more or less magnets may be used. Forinstance, two magnets may be used to attach the circular waveguides inone specific orientation.

The interfaces of waveguides illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may bestructurally fixed to respective devices, or independently rotatablefrom the respective devices. For instance, a structurally fixedwaveguide interface may be a configuration where the waveguide interfaceis designed as a window on a surface of a device. The window isintegrated into the device and cannot move independently of the device.On the other hand, a rotatable interface may be a configuration wherethe waveguide interface is part of a mechanical contraption that isattached and electrically coupled to a respective device. The mechanicalcontraption may be able to rotate independently of the device itself sothat the device does not have to rotate in order for the waveguideinterface to orient itself to another waveguide interface when mating.The waveguide interface may be electrically coupled to a respectivewaveguide such that the signals and waves traveling between thewaveguides are still transmitted to respective devices.

Any suitable attachment technique may be utilized for positioning themagnets proximate to the waveguide interfaces of FIGS. 7 and 8. Forinstance, the magnets may be attached to waveguide interfaces via anadhesive or a mechanical fastener. Alternatively, the magnets may beformed to be part of the cladding. As an example, the magnets may beencased in respective claddings during manufacturing.

III. Waveguide System

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary waveguide system 900, according toembodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9A illustratesan exemplary waveguide system 900 having one antenna capable of emittingwaves at different phases, and FIG. 9B illustrates an exemplarywaveguide system 901 having multiple antennas where each antenna isconfigured to emit waves at different phases. Waveguide systems 900 and901 may be implemented in an electronic device. The electronic devicemay be any suitable device capable of receiving and/or sending data. Forinstance, the electronic device within which waveguide systems 900 and901 are implemented may be a device containing a computing system suchas a smart phone, music player, tablet, laptop, desktop, servercomputer, and the like, or an accessory such as a docking station,high-definition (HD) camera/camcorder, speaker, monitor, projector, andthe like.

With reference to FIG. 9A, a waveguide system 900 includes a processor902. Processor 902 may be a standalone processor for performingfunctions relating to waveguide operations, or a part of a largerprocessor for performing a variety of functions other than thoserelating to waveguide operations. For instance, processor 902 may be amicrocontroller, field-programmable logic array (FPGA),application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like.

Processor 902 may be coupled to an antenna 908. Antenna 908 may be aseparate microchip or a part of processor 902. In embodiments, antenna908 may be an antenna that can output transmission waves 916 at highfrequencies, e.g., millimeter waves having 1 to 10 millimeters in wavelength and at a frequency of 60-90 GHz. Transmission waves 916, e.g.,electromagnetic waves, may be outputted through a waveguide 914 toanother device through a window 920. Specifically, transmission waves916 may be outputted through a core 922 of waveguide 914. Accordingly,processor 902 may be configured to interact with waveguide 914. Inembodiments, window 920 is an RF-transparent window through whichtransmission waves 916 may propagate from antenna 908 to outside of theelectronic device. In embodiments, antenna 908 may be capable ofemitting electromagnetic waves at different phases to compensate for anyoffsets in waveguide orientations. For instance, in a waveguide system900 having a rectangular waveguide 914, antenna 908 may be configured tooutput a transmission wave 916 at 0 degrees offset and a transmissionwave 916 at 180 degrees offset.

In other embodiments, more than one antenna 908 may be utilized in awaveguide system, such as waveguide system 901 illustrated in FIG. 9B.As shown in FIG. 9B, an N number of antennas ranging from antenna 908-1to 908-N may be included in waveguide system 901. Each antenna 908 maybe configured to output a single wave at a different phase than theother antennas 908. For instance, in a waveguide system 901 having arectangular waveguide 914, two antennas 908-1 and 908-2 may be utilized.Antenna 908-1 may output a wave at an offset of 0 degrees and antenna908-2 may output the same wave but at an offset of 180 degrees. Eachantenna 908-1 through 908-N may be located on the same microchip, oreach may be located on a different microchip. Processor 902 maydetermine whether transmission wave 916 is outputted with an offset.This determination may depend on whether waveguide 914 is orientedproperly with another waveguide (not shown, but having a systemidentical, if not substantially similar, to system 900).

In order to determine whether waveguide 914 is oriented properly,processor 902 may be coupled to contacts/sensors 912, as shown in FIG.9A. Contacts/sensors 912 may send and/or receive electrical signals fordetermining waveguide orientation according to embodiments discussedherein. Contacts/sensors 912 may be exposed contacts or separatesensors, such as sensors for detecting magnetic fields. Electricalsignals 918 may be emitted/received through conductive portions 922 incladding 924. Although FIG. 9A illustrates contacts/sensors 912configured to receive signals from waveguide 914, embodiments are notlimited to such configurations. For instance, contacts/sensors 912 maybe located at the edge of the device by window 920. Thus,contacts/sensors 912 may receive electrical signals immediately fromwindow 920, instead of receiving electrical signals from waveguide 914.

In embodiments, a mated waveguide (not shown) in the form of a cable oran embedded waveguide may be coupled to window 920. In embodiments wherethe mated waveguide is in the form of a cable, the mated waveguide maysimply be an extension cable that helps a waveguide in a remote systemcouple with the system 900. The mated waveguide may be an embeddedwaveguide in a device or an accessory as aforementioned herein. Core 922and conductive portions 922 may align with respective parts of theexternal waveguide for determining orientation and transmitting waves.Methods of determining orientation according to embodiments of thepresent invention will be discussed further herein.

IV. Method of Determining Waveguide Orientation

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining anorientation of a waveguide by a receiving device, according toembodiments of the present invention. The receiving device may becoupled to a transmitting device by having respective waveguides matewith one another. For instance, a receiving waveguide of the receivingdevice may be mated with a transmitting waveguide of the transmittingdevice.

At block 1002, an electrical signal sent through a cladding of thetransmitting waveguide may be received by at least one sensor of thereceiving waveguide. The electrical signal may be in the form of avoltage, current, or magnetic field. The configuration of the electricalsignal may correspond to an orientation of the transmitting waveguide.As an example, for a transmitting waveguide having only first and secondconductive portions, an electrical signal sent through the firstconductive portion may be associated with the location of the firstconductive portion.

At block 1004, the receiving device may determine a location of the atleast one sensor that received the electrical signal. The receivingdevice may then determine the orientation of the transmitting waveguideby referencing the location of the at least one sensor that received theelectrical signal at block 1006. Continuing with the aforementionedexample, the receiving device may know that the electrical signalcorresponds to the location of the first conductive portion of thetransmitting waveguide. Thus, by receiving the electrical signal at aspecific location, the receiving device may be able to determine thetransmitting waveguide's orientation.

In embodiments, the electrical signal may be a handshaking signal. Insuch embodiments, the handshaking signal may indicate to the receivingdevice that it should output the determined orientation to thetransmitting device. Accordingly, the receiving device may output asignal indicating an offset amount to the transmitting device throughthe conductive portions. As a result, the transmitting device may now beaware of the orientation of the receiving waveguide.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining anorientation of a waveguide by a transmitting device, according toembodiments of the present invention. The receiving device may becoupled to a transmitting device by having respective waveguides matewith one another. For instance, a receiving waveguide of the receivingdevice may be mated with a transmitting waveguide of the transmittingdevice.

At block 1102, an electrical signal may be sent through a conductiveportion of the transmitting waveguide by at least one emitter. Theelectrical signal may be used by the transmitting device to determine anorientation of the waveguide, or the electrical signal may be ahandshaking signal that receives data indicating the orientation of thereceiving waveguide from the receiving device. In embodiments where theelectrical signal is used by the transmitting device to determinewaveguide orientation, the electrical signal may be a voltage and/orcurrent signal. The electrical signal may be received by a sensor of thereceiving waveguide.

At block 1104, the transmitting device may determine a location of asensor that received the electrical signal. In embodiments, the sensormay be part of a sensing circuit that responds to changes in current.For instance, the sensor may be an incomplete circuit that includes acircuit component, such as a resistor. When a current is applied (i.e.,when the electrical signal is applied), a corresponding voltage may begenerated across the resistor. The transmitting device may detect thecorresponding voltage and determine the location of the sensor thatreceived the electrical signal.

Similar to the electrical signal in the example discussed with respectto FIG. 10, the resistor location may be associated with a waveguideorientation. When the transmitting device detects the voltage, thetransmitting device may determine an orientation of the receivingwaveguide by referencing the location of the detected voltage at block1106.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended tocover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A waveguide comprising: a dielectric core havinga circular cross-sectional shape and being formed of a material thatconducts radio waves; and a cladding having an annular cross-sectionalshape and encapsulating the dielectric core, the cladding comprising aplurality of conductive portions formed as segments of the cladding thatare equally spaced apart from one another and separated by insulationportions.
 2. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein the cladding furthercomprises a plurality of insulation portions, each insulation portiondisposed between adjacent conductive portions of the plurality ofconductive portions and electrically isolating the adjacent conductiveportions from one another.
 3. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein eachconductive portion is in direct contact with and disposed around lessthan the entire dielectric core.
 4. The waveguide of claim 1, whereinthe dielectric core is a solid core that conducts radio waves atmillimeter wave frequencies and above.
 5. The waveguide of claim 1,wherein less than entire region of a first conductive portion overlapsless than an entire region of a second conductive portion.
 6. Thewaveguide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of insulation portions havea dielectric constant similar to a dielectric constant of the pluralityof conductive portions.
 7. The waveguide of claim 6, wherein theplurality of insulation portions have a dielectric constant differentthan a dielectric constant of the dielectric core.
 8. The waveguide ofclaim 1, wherein the dielectric core is formed from a plastic.
 9. Thewaveguide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of insulation portions areformed of a conductive material coated with a non-conductive material.10. The waveguide of claim 1, wherein at least one conductive portion ofthe plurality of conductive portions is configured to provide power. 11.The waveguide of claim 1, wherein the dielectric core is concentric tothe cladding.
 12. The waveguide of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of magnetic alignment structures configured to preferentiallyattach to a corresponding magnetic receptacle to orient the waveguide ina predetermined position.
 13. The waveguide of claim 12, wherein eachmagnetic alignment structure of the plurality of magnetic alignmentstructures are positioned adjacent to a respective conductive portion ofthe plurality of conductive portions.
 14. A waveguide system comprising:a waveguide comprising a dielectric core having a circularcross-sectional shape encapsulated by a cladding, the cladding having anannular cross-sectional shape and comprising a plurality of conductiveportions that are formed as segments of the cladding that are equallyspaced apart from one another and separated by insulation portions; aprocessor configured to interact with the waveguide; at least oneantenna coupled to the processor, the at least one antenna configured tosend data through the dielectric core of the waveguide; and at least onesensor corresponding to the at least one antenna and coupled to theprocessor, the at least one sensor configured to couple with theplurality of conductive portions of the waveguide cladding to determinean orientation of the dielectric core.
 15. The waveguide system of claim14, wherein each antenna is disposed on a separate microchip.
 16. Thewaveguide system of claim 14, wherein each antenna is disposed on a samemicrochip.
 17. The waveguide system of claim 14, wherein the at leastone sensor is configured to detect magnetic fields from the waveguidecladding.
 18. A method comprising: receiving, by at least one sensor, afirst electrical signal sent through a cladding of a transmittingwaveguide when the transmitting waveguide is mated with a receivingwaveguide, the cladding having an annular cross-sectional shape andencapsulating a dielectric core of the transmitting waveguide having acircular cross-sectional shape and being formed of a material thatconducts radio waves, and comprising a plurality of conductive portionsthat are formed as segments of the cladding that are equally spacedapart from one another and separated by insulation portions; determininga location of the at least one sensor; and determining an orientation ofthe transmitting waveguide by referencing the location of the at leastone sensor.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first electricalsignal is sent through at least one conductive portion of the pluralityof conductive portions of the cladding of the transmitting waveguide.20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: sending a secondelectrical signal through the cladding of the transmitting waveguideindicating the orientation of the transmitting waveguide with respect tothe receiving waveguide; and receiving transmission waves through a coreof the receiving waveguide.